{"id":29586,"title":"EU-AU Summit 2022 \u2013 Europe\u2019s Struggle for Influence in Africa","link":"https:\/\/bst-europe.eu\/de\/europe-in-the-world\/eu-au-summit-2022-europes-struggle-for-influence-in-africa\/","date":"24. Februar 2022","date_unix":1645707957,"date_modified_unix":1785150395,"date_iso":"2022-02-24T13:05:57+00:00","content":"

The <\/em>sixth European Union \u2013 African Union Summit<\/em><\/a> clearly signaled that Europe wants to deepen its partnership with Africa. Inspired by the European Neighbourhood Policy, more intensive economic relations create more prosperity for both sides and stop unwelcome spillovers such as forced migration. Yet, while the summit led to some promising initiatives, the challenges for the partnership to bear fruits remain huge.<\/em><\/p>\n

Africa Matters to Europe<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Geographical proximity, colonial history, and the wide variety of human relations make Africa an important partner for Europe. The EU wants to benefit economically from the neighboring continent\u2019s riches and its great potential to produce green energy. In addition, Europe has a genuine interest in Africa\u2019s political stability as it seeks to ward off spillover effects resulting from forced migration, armed conflicts, terrorism, and the exacerbated consequences of climate change.<\/p>\n

African societies also have an interest in cooperating more closely with the European Union as they expect more jobs and the prosperity of an upgraded partnership based on fair opportunities and eye-level cooperation. However, while all of this might provide for a win-win situation on paper, there are challenges.<\/p>\n

The Demographic Challenge: Strong Population Growth<\/strong><\/h2>\n

16% of the world population (1.3 billion people) currently live in Africa \u2013 a figure expected to double by 2050. On the one hand, this demographic trend<\/a> promises a young population that wants to shape its own future. On the other hand, it also means there can be a significant risk for migration<\/a> and protest if governments do not create adequate living and working conditions.<\/p>\n

The Drought Challenge: Heat Waves Destroying Farmland<\/strong><\/h2>\n

These governmental tasks are becoming even more difficult under changing climate conditions. Kenya<\/a> is currently affected by a drought that has lasted for months. Three million small farmers are losing their last means of livelihood. Many are fleeing within the country. A photograph of dead giraffes symbolizes the tragedy.<\/p>\n

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Six dead giraffes: Kenya drought horror captured in single picture https:\/\/t.co\/Q3KNIihrDR<\/a><\/p>\n

— The Guardian (@guardian) December 15, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n